Production and Marketing of Coconut Products in Ernakulam District – An Empirical study

Abstract

The coconut tree is a generous tree, a gift from nature to humanity, providing food, drink, oilseeds, fibre, wood, health items, and a significant source of money for the people. Among tropical palms, the coconut is regarded the most vital and beneficial. Every portion of the coconut palm has a market value. Almost all of the coconut produced is used in traditional domestic markets. Coconut oil is the most important traditional commercial product. As a result, the price of raw coconut is determined by the demand and supply of this particular coconut commodity.Packaged tender coconut water, coconut milk, coconut chips, coconut milk products, desiccated coconut, coconut water products, tender snowball coconut, vinegar, coir products, coconut shell and coconut wood based products are examples of marketable value-added products. In India, raw nuts and edible copra are essential delicacies that are used in Hindu religious events. Coconut oil is used in cooking and industrial, as well as in the production of vegetable ghee, soaps, and toiletries. The tender walnut's water is a delightful drink. The husk produces coir fibre, which is used to make yarn, matting, and brushes, among other things. The shell is burned and turned into charcoal, which is then used to make gas masks. The shell is used to make spoons, ladles, and decorative things..When fresh, the sweet juice obtained by tapping the unopened wrapping covering the new flowers makes a refreshing drink or can be converted into jaggery. When the juice is allowed to ferment, it becomes grog, an alcoholic beverage with a considerable market.Products like coir, shell, and wood can be used to substitute plastic in a variety of ways due to their high quality and environmental friendliness. Desiccated coconut, coconut cream, virgin oil, vinegar, tender coconut water, coconut milk-based product, Neera and its by-products, and other industrial non- edible goods such as coir are among the other value-added coconut products. Separation of glycerin and fatty acids, manufacturing of soaps, detergents, and bio-diesel, and coco methyl ester for mixing with normal fuel are all examples of industrial applications.